Article Posted on : - Feb 10, 2011

Daksh ROV.

PUNE (PTI): The research wing of the DRDO is developing a smaller version of 'Daksh', a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) with robotic arms and grippers, which can used in counter-terrorism operations.

The Research and Development Establishment (RDE) lab of DRDO is exploring advanced robotics technology to meet the requirements of Indian Army and also to aid counter-terror operations and handling improvised explosive devices, Chief Controller of RDE S Sundaresh told reporters today.

"Robotics has an enormous potential for military application and can be used in low intensity conflicts and counter-terrorism operations," said S Guruprasad, director, RDE, said, adding, preliminary prototypes of smaller versions of 'Daksh' were being tested by the lab for future inductions.

'Daksh', capable of being controlled over a range of 500 metre both in cross country and urban environment, has already been introduced into service of the Indian Army giving it multi-speed operational capability, he said.

The US army has been using robotic devices in the war in Afghanistan, Guruprasad noted.

The RDE is also setting up a shore based test facility in Goa to support the development of the naval version of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The facility consists of development and commissioning of runway and associated equipment in partnership with Goa Shipyard Ltd, he added.